Traditional Creamed Dried Beef

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Traditional Creamed Dried Beef recipe is a comforting classic that's perfect for cozy mornings. It's rich, creamy, and beautifully savory, making it a fantastic choice for breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients for Traditional Creamed Dried Beef

Dried beef is the star of this dish, providing a salty, savory punch that defines the flavor profile. Look for it in the deli section or packaged in jars. Butter is used to create the base of the sauce, adding richness and a silky texture. All-purpose flour acts as a thickening agent for the sauce, ensuring it clings beautifully to the beef. Whole milk brings creaminess and body to the dish; its fat content balances the flavors perfectly. Black pepper and paprika add subtle heat and depth, enhancing the overall taste without overpowering it. Finally, a sprinkle of parsley not only brightens up the plate but also adds a fresh touch that contrasts nicely with the rich sauce.

Tips & Tricks

  • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
  • For a richer flavor, try using half-and-half instead of whole milk.
  • To avoid overly salty results, rinse the dried beef briefly under cold water before adding it to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of crisp, sautéed greens like spinach or kale. For a complete breakfast spread, consider serving it alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute with chipped ham or cooked bacon for a different flavor profile.
Is there a non-dairy alternative?
Absolutely! Use almond milk or oat milk, and swap butter with margarine or a vegan butter alternative.

Traditional Creamed Dried Beef Recipe Walkthrough

Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. As it melts, you'll want to keep an eye on it to prevent browning—you're aiming for a smooth, golden base. Once the butter is ready, gradually stir in the flour. This step is key to avoiding lumps, so take your time to create a smooth paste.

Next, slowly whisk in the milk. This step requires a bit of patience; add the milk a little at a time, stirring constantly. You'll notice the sauce starting to thicken—this is what you want. Keep stirring until you achieve a nice, velvety consistency.

Now, it's time to season. Add the black pepper and paprika, stirring them into the sauce. These spices will add a gentle warmth and depth of flavor.

Once your sauce is well combined and seasoned, tear the dried beef into bite-sized pieces and add them to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.

When you're ready to serve, spoon the creamy mixture over toasted bread or freshly baked biscuits. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy mornings.
  • Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
  • Rich and creamy texture that's incredibly satisfying.
  • Adaptable to your taste preferences with simple tweaks.

Ingredients

Dried beef, 8 oz
Butter, 4 tbsp
All-purpose flour, 4 tbsp
Whole milk, 3 cups
Black pepper, 1/2 tsp
Paprika, 1/4 tsp
Parsley, chopped, for garnish
Thick-sliced bread or biscuits, for serving

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Stir in flour gradually to create a smooth paste.
3. Slowly whisk in milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens.
4. Add black pepper and paprika, stirring to combine.
5. Tear beef into bite-sized pieces and add to the sauce.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Serve hot over toasted bread or biscuits, garnished with parsley.

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